Filip Giedrys

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a form of therapy that emphasizes the role of the body in healing trauma. Developed by Peter Levine in the 1970s, SE is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can be stored in the nervous system and lead to physical and emotional suffering, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other health issues.

SE aims to help individuals release these sensations and emotions stored in the body and psyche through the processes of pendulation, titration, and discharge. The therapy is grounded in the belief that although traumatic experiences can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, the body has a natural capacity to heal itself — given the opportunity in a safe and supportive environment.

SE practitioners work with clients to help them access and process the sensations and emotions held in their bodies as a result of trauma. This may include physical sensations such as tension, pain, or numbness, as well as emotional states such as fear, anger, or helplessness. Through gentle touch, body awareness exercises, and guided imagery, SE practitioners help clients become more aware of these sensations and emotions and learn to regulate them in a safe and controlled manner.

One of the key principles of SE is “pendulation,” which refers to the oscillation between states of activation and deactivation in the body’s nervous system. By helping clients better attune to their bodily sensations and move back and forth between these states in a controlled way, SE practitioners can assist in building resilience and restoring a sense of safety and well-being.

SE is a gentle and non-invasive form of therapy that can be used to treat a range of traumatic experiences, including physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and other forms of trauma. It is often used in combination with other types of therapy and can be effective for individuals struggling with various mental health challenges.

Bodynamic therapy is a body-centred psychotherapeutic approach that recognises the profound connection between the body, the mind, and our relational experiences. Developed in Denmark by Lisbeth Marcher and her colleagues over several decades, it draws on developmental psychology, neuroscience, and somatic work to understand how our life experiences are stored not only in our memories and emotions — but in our muscles and posture.

At the heart of Bodynamic therapy is the understanding that the body holds a detailed map of our psychological development. From infancy through adolescence, we respond to our environment by engaging or withdrawing specific muscle groups. Over time, these patterns become habitual, shaping how we move through the world, how we relate to others, and how we experience ourselves. In therapy, these patterns offer a rich source of insight and a direct pathway to healing.

Bodynamic therapy works with seven distinct developmental stages, each associated with specific psychological themes and corresponding body areas. By gently exploring these connections, therapy supports clients in restoring a sense of agency, groundedness, and authentic connection — both within themselves and in their relationships. Central to this work is the therapeutic relationship itself. Bodynamic therapy places deep value on mutual connection — the quality of genuine, respectful presence that develops between therapist and client. This is not a one-directional process. The therapist is not a distant expert, but an engaged human being who brings their own grounded presence into the room.

Sessions may involve movement, body awareness exercises, and verbal exploration, always at a pace that feels safe and respectful for the client.
Bodynamic therapy honours the body not as a problem to be fixed, but as a wise and resilient partner in the healing process.